422 The IVater-fowl Family 



western. While the western variety seems to 

 average somewhat larger and has certain slight 

 plumage differences, the two types grade into one 

 another, and these distinctions are not always 

 satisfactory. On the eastern coast the willet 

 ranches from Nova Scotia to Florida and alono^ the 

 Gulf of Mexico, but is rare north of Massachusetts. 

 It breeds throughout these limits sparingly, how- 

 ever, north of Florida. In our Eastern states 

 this species has been markedly decimated in the 

 past few years, and not having the protection of 

 the seclusion the far North affords to most of our 

 shore-birds in their nesting time, it will presently 

 be rare everywhere in the eastern United States. 

 A few years ago willet bred commonly on the 

 coast from Virginia to New Jersey. Now a few 

 pairs are seen over an area formerly inhabited by 

 hundreds. In 1898 I found several pairs at Cobb's 

 Island, breeding on a small strip of marsh, just 

 inside the ocean beach. When this was ap- 

 proached the birds exhibited the greatest excite- 

 ment flying within range and uttering shrill 

 discordant cries. When on the wing it is grace- 

 ful and speedy, the black and white mottling of 

 the wings presenting a striking appearance. On 

 alighting the bird runs a short distance, then 

 watches intently the object of suspicion, leaving 

 at the slightest provocation. The nest is com- 

 posed of grass placed on the dry ground in the 



